Top ways manufacturing organizations can be environmentally friendly

What do companies like ArcelorMittal, Ford Motor Company, and Tata Power all have in common? Each of these companies has started implementing environmental sustainability initiatives in some way. While protecting the environment is certainly commendable, it is also proving to be good business strategy. In addition to increasing recycling efforts, sourcing local raw materials, and using energy-efficient equipment, some organizations are basing their entire business model on their eco-friendly efforts.

Take, for example, the world’s largest steel manufacturer ArcelorMittal. The process of manufacturing steel yields high levels of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. ArcelorMittal manufactures over 90 million tons of steel every year and has started working on reducing its carbon footprint. The company has partnered with LanzaTech, a bioengineering organization, and Primetals Technologies, a technology and service provider, to establish a commercial facility in Belgium that produces bioethanol from waste gas emissions. Compared to conventional fossil fuels, bioethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions by over 80 percent and is composed entirely of biological products. Its combustion results in clean emissions, making it a carbon neutral fuel source.

Although it’s true that sustainable business practices can be expensive and time-consuming, “Going Green” is a growing trend which is proving beneficial for more than just the environment. Governments have also come up with different programs to support organizations which are taking steps to protect the environment. Hence, the companies that have embraced it are outperforming the ones who haven’t.

There are numerous ways for companies to make their manufacturing more eco-friendly. Lets take a look at a few.

Conserve energy

Switching to energy-efficient lighting is one of the fastest ways to save energy. This simple step can help you reduce energy consumption up to 50 percent. Another benefit is that it eliminates the risk of mercury contamination which leads to air pollution. Mercury is present in fluorescent lamps and when those lamps are dumped, the mercury can escape and contribute to air and water pollution. There are a number of companies offering lighting solutions and products like LED light bulbs that help save on electricity bills as well as reduce air pollution.

Reduce waste

Reviewing the manufacturing processes and implementing methods to minimize waste will make any organization a little greener. For this, analyzing where waste occurs is important to ensure resources are used as efficiently as possible. Further reusing any waste produced until it no longer has any value and then recycling the remaining materials will also help in waste reduction.

Save water

One of themost pressing environmental concerns predicted by environmental scientists in the coming years is the worldwide shortage of water. Implementing programs to conserve water is the next big step companies should start investing in. In addition to saving water, steps should be taken to minimize discharge of waste water to sewers.

Use renewable energy

Renewable energy is the energy collected from resources that replenish naturally, like sunlight, wind and, rain. Using renewable green energy for running a factory or in manufacturing processes is another intelligent way to make your company greener. In fact, a number of companies have started investing in renewable energy for the benefit of their business.

Choose green materials

Another excellent way for a manufacturing company to become greener is to use eco-friendly raw materials in their processes. The products made using such raw materials are eco-friendly too. Many organizations today have even started to source raw materials from waste. However, there is still a long way to go.

Create awareness in employees

Although manufacturing organizations have started to do their bit for the environment, the employees have the responsibility to be environmentally conscious too. Engage employees in your organization’s environmental goals. By incorporating eco-friendly practices into their workflow, they could help the organization achieve the ultimate goal of carbon neutrality.

These green steps are simple and possible for nearly any type of manufacturing industry, regardless of the product they make.

Promoting environmentally friendly practices can set any business apart from its competitors. As customers are now more informed about the environmental impact of products, they want to buy products and services from an environmentally responsible business. Companies have started leveraging this in their marketing programs to promote their standing as an environment-friendly business.

Remember, there’s always something more you can do, but the most important thing is to start somewhere!

Has your manufacturing company successfully implemented any eco-friendly standards? We’d like to know more!